- A DJI ban in the US could happen next month
- December 23rd is a key date for the banning process
- DJI has sent an urgent update on efforts to avoid the ban
If you’ve been following the news surrounding DJI, you’ll know that there have been concerns about its products being banned in the US for several years now. Next month, that ban can finally happen – and DJI has now sent an update on the situation.
In a new blog post, DJI has highlighted the crucial deadline of Tuesday, December 23, 2025. This is the date when DJI will be added to what is known as the ‘Covered List’ by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). When that happens, DJI says “we would no longer be able to launch new products in the US”. This is “expected to affect all DJI products,” says DJI, and not just drones.
The only way for DJI to avoid being put on this list is to pass a security audit, but no such audit has happened – and indeed, no government agency has even been assigned to handle it. With only a month to go, it looks unlikely to come to fruition.
“DJI has repeatedly and publicly requested a fair, transparent and timely review, but — as far as we can tell — the process has not begun,” the blog post explains. “DJI could face a market ban without any review or due process – not because of any wrongdoing, but because of a regulatory loophole and continued lack of government action.” But what does all this mean for your DJI technology?
What happens to current DJI devices?
If you’re already using DJI drones and cameras in the US, no one is going to take them away. However, the ban may ultimately result in DJI being unable to issue software updates to its products in the United States, or restrict the connectivity of those products at a later date.
DJI says that “even if DJI were added to the FCC’s Covered List, you would still be able to use your current DJI equipment”. However, the Chinese company added that “a listing could block future purchases of DJI products – even those already on the shelves in the US”. Worrying. this means that “while your current drones will still work, the future availability of products and upgrades may be at risk,” DJI added.
Another unknown is whether DJI devices already launched in the US will be removed from sale: this is something that US authorities would have the power to do, but further public consultation would be required. Right now, we just don’t know what will happen to units that are already being sold.
It’s all because the US government suspects that DJI has links to the Chinese military, something that DJI vehemently denies. The current US administration is currently busy scrutinizing many different types of technology developed outside its borders – including TikTok of course.
DJI says it will continue to fight a US ban and is pushing for an extension to the December 23 deadline. It also encourages users to connect with US lawmakers and make their voices heard, which you can do by following this link.
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